Divine Tao
There are 37 Tao Poems and 44 Te PoemsNew Thought Te 45 - explores the importance of standards, and how we must both understand them and not be fooled by them
Tao # 45 / Setting Standards
Ф
Wholeness can seem inadequate
yet use will never destroy it
Great-fullness seems empty;
yet its use is never exhausted.
temple pillars are tilted in order to look straight
the most rugged cowboy can turn out to be gay
the esteemed doctor can look like a fool
playing the idiot by acting cool
Great skill can appear inept
eloquence inarticulate
but movement conquers cold
and stillness overcomes heat
while serenity and tranquility
set the standard for the world.
- How is this Tao about setting standards?
- What is significance of the play on words with "Great-fullness?"
- What does temple pillars are tilted in order to look straight refer to?
- What does "the most rugged cowboy can turn out to be gay" mean with regard to appearances?
- How does movement conquer cold?
- Why are serenity and tranquility important?
